Mike Carson’s journey from school theaters in Illinois to becoming a key player in the entertainment industry epitomizes creativity in live performance.
A multi-talented tech guy who first honed his craft making backdrops for school plays, Carson’s artistic contributions have reached new heights.
Now based in Los Angeles, he has collaborated extensively with Kendrick Lamar as a production designer and creative partner for live shows.
If you’re attending the highly anticipated “The Grand National Tour” featuring Lamar and SZA at Soldier Field, prepare to witness the unique visual storytelling that Carson has crafted alongside Lamar and their childhood friend Dave Free.
The trio co-founded pgLang in 2020, establishing an arts incubator that pushes creative boundaries across various mediums—music, film, theater, and visual arts.
With a mission to communicate stories through diverse languages, pgLang promises an innovative approach to the arts.
One of their most notable works remains the Super Bowl halftime show from February, which garnered immense viewership and featured a striking satire of American society.
The show left a lasting impression on audiences, and for many, the artistic execution showcased Lamar’s distinct narrative style.
Carson describes their performances as quasi-theatrical musicals, where the music dictates the flow and intention of the show.
Every aspect is methodically crafted, from the setlist to the lighting design, ensuring that each moment on stage contributes to the overarching narrative.
Carson’s rich background in theater heavily influences his creative approach, evident in the meticulous detail applied to the backdrop aesthetics.
Unlike typical stadium concerts that often lean on large-scale video projections, Lamar’s performances incorporate deeper artistic motifs.
For instance, imagery featured in this tour draws from historical references such as “The Last Supper,” as well as influences from contemporary artists like Lauren Halsey.
During the current tour, Halsey’s assemblages of Black archival images and vibrant neon colors are amplified on massive screens, enhancing Lamar’s performance.
Carson’s dedication to thematic elements is evident in the choice of a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX as a recurring motif, adding a unique flavor to the visual narrative.
The car, a symbol of muscle car culture, faced alterations for the Super Bowl show, transforming it into a whimsical object from which dancers emerged in an impressive display.
The Grand National Tour opens with a creative blend of Latin-inspired design, featuring laser-drawn fonts and a performance by Mexican American mariachi Deyra Barrera.
This artistic kickoff sets the stage for the GNX to rise dramatically, with Lamar at the wheel.
Carson’s previous work on the “Big Steppers” tour delved even deeper into theatricality, presenting Lamar alongside puppetry and striking visual concepts that redefined typical concert experiences.
With stunning visuals and creative choreography, Lamar’s shows invite audiences to engage with art on multiple levels.
Carson emphasizes the balance between spectacle and subtlety in their productions, noting that even in stadium setups, there is room for nuanced artistic expression.
The images created during these performances, including poignant moments where Lamar simply sits on steps, resonate deeply with the audience.
Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Carson’s creative journey took shape early on as he embraced the theater scene.
His experiences at Columbia College were transformative, but it was his encounter with the late Virgil Abloh that marked a pivotal turning point.
Abloh’s innovative spirit and willingness to craft designs by hand influenced Carson and opened doors, leading him to work with industry titans like Kanye West and Jay-Z.
Carson credits Abloh’s approach for the distinctive visual language present in “The Grand National Tour,” where a blend of streetwear and minimalist staging captivates audiences.
This creative ethos is foundational to the collaborative effort between Lamar, Carson, and Free, ensuring their presentations remain vibrant and engaging.
Reflecting on this artistic journey, Carson asserts the importance of continuously pushing boundaries within concert production, whether through choreography or stage design.
Their aim is to deliver a fresh and impactful interpretation of what a stadium concert can embody at this present moment.
Catch Kendrick Lamar and SZA at Soldier Field this Friday at 7:30 p.m., with resale tickets available from $293 through Soldier Field’s website.
In a world where musical performances are evolving, the collaboration between Mike Carson and Kendrick Lamar stands out as a compelling example of innovative artistry.
image source from：https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/06/chicago-designer-kendrick-lamar/
